BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE – Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Vice President, Steve Horton, has challenged club safety and security officers to become ambassadors of safety, security and safeguarding as they return to their respective clubs following the conclusion of the EFA Safety, Security and Safeguarding Workshop.
Speaking during the official closing ceremony of the two-day workshop at Sigwaca House, Horton commended participants for their commitment and active engagement, describing the programme as an important platform for learning, collaboration and the exchange of experiences among football stakeholders.
He emphasised that football was more than just a sport, but a powerful social force that brought together players, officials, supporters, sponsors, media and communities. As such, he said, the game could only continue to flourish if it was played and enjoyed in a safe, secure, inclusive and respectful environment.
Horton reiterated the EFA’s commitment to ensuring that football competitions in the country meet the highest standards of safety, security and safeguarding in line with FIFA and CAF requirements.
“The safety and wellbeing of everyone involved in football is a shared responsibility that we all take seriously,” he said.
The EFA vice president highlighted the critical role played by Club Safety and Security Officers, describing them as the first line of defence in ensuring safe match-day operations, effective crowd management, emergency preparedness and risk assessment.
He further stressed the importance of safeguarding, saying it was no longer optional in modern football administration.
“Every child, player, official, volunteer and supporter deserves to experience football in an environment free from abuse, harassment, discrimination, violence and neglect,” Horton said.
He urged participants to implement the lessons learned during the workshop not only on match days but in every football-related activity within their clubs.
Horton noted that the success of football competitions depended not only on performances on the field but also on the effectiveness of safety and security structures surrounding the game. He said safe stadiums, protected participants and well-prepared security personnel were key contributors to the growth, credibility and commercial appeal of football.
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The EFA vice president also encouraged participants to share the knowledge gained during the workshop with club management, technical teams and supporters to ensure a wider culture of safety throughout the football fraternity.
While congratulating attendees on successfully completing the workshop, Horton reminded them that the certificates awarded were not merely a recognition of participation but also a responsibility to apply the knowledge acquired and uphold professional standards.
He extended appreciation to the facilitators and organisers who contributed to the successful delivery of the programme and thanked Premier League clubs for supporting the initiative.
“As we conclude, let us remember that safety is everyone’s responsibility, security is everyone’s business and safeguarding is everyone’s duty,” Horton said.
He officially declared the EFA Safety, Security and Safeguarding Workshop closed, expressing confidence that participants would play a leading role in creating safer football environments across the country.
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